Happy post-COVID-19 hypoxia

Annier J. Fajardo-Quesada, School of Medical Sciences of Bayamo, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Granma, Granma, Cuba
Luis M. Abreu-Pereira, Medical Degree Program, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Mayabeque, Mayabeque, Cuba
Ilian E. Tarife-Romero, Medical Degree Program, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Mayabeque, Mayabeque, Cuba

Introduction: Happy hypoxia, or hypoxemia with no or limited dyspnea, was a manifestation observed in patients with COVID-19 and raised interest due to its implications for outpatient follow-up and the safety of home use of pulse oximeters. Objective: The objective of the study was to describe the prevalence and clinical characteristics of hypoxemia and happy hypoxia in patients screened after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Material and methods: A descriptive, retrospective study conducted in Matanzas in 2022. Oxygen saturations, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure were measured using a pulse oximeter in patients screened after SARS-CoV-2 infection; vaccination status, symptoms, and time since infection were recorded. Results: A total of 125 patients were analyzed; 68% were women; mean age 50.17 (SD 18.70). Mean saturation was 96.34% (SD 4.11); the prevalence of hypoxemia (SpO? < 92%) was 6.4% (8 patients); and severe hypoxia was 5.6% (7 patients). Descriptive tables and figures are presented for vaccination and symptom distribution. Conclusions: Severe hypoxia had a low prevalence in this post-COVID cohort in Matanzas; however, outpatient detection depends on the availability and accuracy of the oximeter and clinical follow-up. These findings support the vigilant use of home oximetry integrated into clinical evaluation.

Keywords: COVID-19. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Oximetry. Asymptomatic. Hypoxia.